Skype shutting down: what’s next and what are the best alternatives?

The online communication platform Skype has helped keep millions of people connected since its launch in 2003. However, Microsoft has confirmed plans to retire the app later this year.

Microsoft revealed Skype will be taken offline so it can 'focus on Microsoft Teams'. The move will affect all users who currently rely on Skype to make calls, manage meetings and keep in touch with loved ones.

Below, our tech experts explain what happens next and talk you through the main alternatives to Skype.

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When will Skype shut down?

According to Microsoft's blog post, Skype will be taken offline on 5 May 2025. Once the service is shut down, you will no longer have access to your call and messaging history or contacts list.

The company's statement explains: 'Moving forward, we will no longer offer paid Skype features to new customers, including Skype Credit and subscriptions that allow you to make and receive international and domestic calls.

'Current Skype subscription users can continue to use their Skype Credits and subscriptions until the end of their next renewal period. Skype Credit users can also continue to use their remaining Skype Credit.'

Microsoft said the Skype Dial Pad – a feature that allows users to make phone calls to landlines and mobile numbers – will be available to remaining paid users from the Skype web portal and within Teams.

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How to export your Skype data

Conor Houlihan, technical support advisor at Which? Tech Support, says: 'If you act before the May deadline, you can export information tied to your account including messages, activity, purchase history and contacts. Full details are on the Microsoft website.'

If you plan on moving to Teams, you don't need to export your data – signing in to Teams using your Skype credentials means chats and contacts will automatically appear in the app.

To export Skype conversations, try this:

1. Sign in to the Export page with your Microsoft account.
2. Select the option to download your Conversations.
3. Select Submit request > Continue.
4. Microsoft says you need to 'periodically check back' to monitor the status of the export.
5. When the export is ready, select Download.

To export Skype contacts, try this:

1. Sign in to your Skype account.
2. From the My Account page, scroll to Settings and preferences.
3. Choose Export contacts (.csv) to download the file.

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The best alternatives to Skype

For business calls: Microsoft Teams

• Pros Built-in chat and file-sharing, works with Microsoft Office
• Cons Can feel complex if you just want to make video calls

Available on: Windows, iOS, Android

Teams is a service that lets you chat with contacts and share files online. You can send messages to single contacts or groups and the platform supports group audio or video calls for up to 60 minutes. You also get 5GB of cloud storage allowance.

Microsoft is encouraging Skype users to make the switch over to Teams – you can log in with your old Skype details and carry on from where you left off with your existing chats and contacts.

To get started, download the app on your device from the official website and log in using your Skype credentials.

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For business calls: Zoom

• Pros Easy to use, works well for personal and business
• Cons The free time plan has limits for group calls

Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android

Zoom was one of the video calling apps that experienced a massive surge in popularity around 2020. Like Skype, it lets you connect with contacts through video calls, audio calls and regular chat.

If you're using the free version, you'll only be able to place calls with other Zoom accounts. Paying for Zoom Phone (£8 a month on Pay As You Go or £12 a month for unlimited regional calling) lets you call regular phone numbers like a traditional phone service.

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For casual chats: WhatsApp

• Pros Connect with contacts across different devices, free to use
• Cons To call someone using WhatsApp, the other person must also have WhatsApp installed

Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android

WhatsApp is free to download on mobile and also has a desktop variant called WhatsApp Web that lets you send texts from your account through a computer.

The service has become the go-to messaging app for millions around the world and supports voice and video calls, group chats and file sharing.

As a side note, we recommend securing WhatsApp with 2FA to protect written messages, voice notes and attachments. Head to Settings, then choose Account > Two-step verification > Turn on or Set up PIN.

WhatsApp tips and tricks: 10 handy features to try on iPhone and Android. Plus, learn how to spot a WhatsApp scam.

For casual chats: Facebook Messenger

• Pros Offers free video and audio calls across all devices, huge user base
• Cons Both the caller and receiver need to have a Facebook account and Messenger installed

Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android

To get started on Messenger, you'll need to create a Facebook account if you don't already have one. You can use Messenger through the Facebook website or as a standalone app on your smartphone or PC.

Like WhatsApp, you can use Messenger to send texts, make voice and video calls, and share files. The platform also lets you record voice notes if you don't fancy typing a long paragraph.

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For casual chats: FaceTime

• Pros Pre-installed on Apple devices, supports group calls
• Cons Non-Apple users can join via browser, but can’t start FaceTime calls or use all features including screen sharing

Available on: Mac, iOS

FaceTime arrives preinstalled on iPhone, iPad and Mac, so if you own an Apple device you already have access. The app works over wi-fi or mobile data.

To make a call using FaceTime, you'll need the person's phone number or registered email address. If you don't get an answer, you have the option to record a video or audio message.

You can share your screen with contacts during a call and there's also a SharePlay feature that lets everyone in a group call watch films and TV programmes in sync.

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For easy, browser-based meetings: Google Meet

• Pros Works in your web browser, free, no time limits on one-to-one calls
• Cons Doesn’t have as many advanced features as Zoom

Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android

Google Meet is primarily used for business calls as it works alongside the company's suite of products including Gmail, Google Calendar and Google Drive. For example, creating an event in Google Calendar gives you the option to link it to a Google Meet call link.

If you have a Google account, you can access Google Meet, set up meetings, and join audio-only or video calls. The platform also shares your screen, making it easy to present documents and presentations.

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For privacy-conscious users: Signal

• Pros Encrypted video calls, works on desktop and mobile
• Cons Much smaller user base compared with WhatsApp and Zoom

Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android

Signal is aimed at users who value their security, as the platform offers end-to-end encryption to 'keep your conversations secure'. You can use it to share text, voice messages, photos, videos, Gifs, and files for free.

This Skype alternative supports both audio and video calls, as well as group chats. It's completely ad-free, too.

Whether you're using an iPhone or an Android model, make sure your data is protected – see our guide to 7 phone apps you need to secure right away

For international calls: Viber

• Pros Lets you buy credits to call landlines and mobiles worldwide
• Cons Calling landlines or mobile numbers requires a paid plan

Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android

Making voice calls, video calls, or sending messages through Viber is free. Visually, the platform is quite similar to WhatsApp – in chat threads, you can send messages and files or choose to start a voice or video call instead.

Group chats (audio-only and video) are also supported.

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